Ariana Kelly (born December 7, 1976) is an American politician from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party. She is a member of the Maryland Senate in District 16, and was previously a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 16 from 2011 to 2023, which is located in Montgomery County. Education and professional background Ariana Kelly grew up in Bethesda where she attended Walter Johnson High School. Kelly also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studied History, Women's Studies, and TV/Film Production. Kelly has an extensive background in nonprofit management, media, and social service. In her early career, she worked at Travelers Aid International, Girls Inc, and Legal Momentum. Brannigan Kelly also produced PBS’ To The Contrary, a weekly news program. She covered a wide range of issues including state and federal legislation, business, education, health, and the environment. She specialized in the perspective of underrepresented populations including women and minorities. Kelly also served as Executive Director at NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland where she led a nationally recognized campaign to investigate crisis pregnancy centers, and published The Truth Revealed Report. Kelly also served as a Campaign Director for MomsRising.org where she worked on Healthcare Reform, Paid Family Leave, Pay Equity, Environmental Health, and Childcare. Personal life Kelly is married with two children and two step-children. She is the granddaughter of Maryland fire safety pioneer Francis Brannigan. Kelly's brother, Jonathan Blum, and sister-in-law Kate Orman are Australian science fiction authors. Kelly's daughter Maeve is the Chair of Maryland High School Democrats, and received press for her advocacy for including consent in sex education. In 2015, Kelly was charged with indecent exposure and trespassing in an incident related to a domestic dispute. Awards and honors Maryland Hospital Association Legislator of the Year 2022 Maryland Nurses Association Legislator of the Year 2021 Legislative All Star Award, Maryland Retailers Association 2018 Legislator of the Year, Maryland Psychological Association 2017 Legislator of the Year award from the Mental Health Association of Maryland Pat on the Back award from Pathfinders for Autism Children's Advocacy Champion from Children's National Medical Center Young Woman of Achievement Award from the Women's Information Network. Spirit Award for Humanitarian Leadership from National Center for Children and Families Community Advocate Award from The Treatment and Learning Centers Certificate of Excellence from Youth for National Change Spirit of Service Award from Healthy Teen Network Choice Advocate of the Year